I Meant To, or I Was Meant to | Meaning, Difference, Examples, Sentences

“I meant to” means that you had a plan or intention to perform something, but it didn’t occur for a reason. For instance, “I meant to call you yesterday but got busy with work.”

“I was meant to” can be used to mean that something was planned or arranged to occur, typically by a feeling of fate or destiny. For instance, “I was meant to meet my best friend at that coffee shop, but I got lost.”

When to Use “I Meant To”

“I meant to” is often used to describe the failure to perform the intended action. The phrase is usually used in informal settings and can be used to explain why something didn’t occur. It is commonly utilized to convey regret or apologize for doing something.

In Appropriate Situations, You Can Make Use of “i Meant To”

“I meant to” can be employed in a variety of scenarios, such as:

Refusing to Apologize for Not Doing Something

For instance:

• “I meant to call you earlier but got busy with work. I’m sorry for not calling you back sooner.”

In this instance, the speaker apologizes for not calling back earlier, despite having intended to do so.

The Reasons Why Something Didn’t Take Place

As an example:

• “I meant to submit the report yesterday, but my computer crashed. I’ll send it over as soon as I can.”

In this case, the speaker is describing why they couldn’t finish the report on time, despite having intended to submit it on time.

Common Errors when Making Use of “i Meant To”

Below are common blunders that you can avoid making when you use “I meant to”:

Making excuses

Even though “I meant to” can explain why the event didn’t occur, it should not be used to justify a reason to avoid doing something.

For instance:

• “I meant to do my homework but was too tired.”

In this case, the speaker uses “I meant to” as an excuse for not completing their homework. In reality, the speaker should accept responsibility for their actions. They could use phrases like, “I didn’t do my homework because I was too tired.”

Making Use of It in The Incorrect Present

“I meant to” is used in the past tense to indicate that the plan was not realized at a particular time within the last When used as a present-tense verb, it may be confusing.

For instance:

• “I meant to go to the store later today.”

In this instance, the speaker uses “I meant to” in the present tense. This is not correct. It is better to say, “I plan to go to the store later today.”

When to Use “I Was Meant To”

“I was meant to” is a way to describe the inability to meet an expectation or fulfill an obligation. The phrase is commonly employed in formal settings and is used to justify why the event did not occur. It is usually utilized to convey regret or apologize for not completing the obligation.

In Appropriate Situations, You Can Utilize “i Was Meant To.”

“I was meant to” can be utilized in a variety of scenarios, such as:

The Reason You Were Unable to Attend an Event

For instance:

• “I was meant to attend the meeting but had a family emergency.”

In this instance, the speaker explains why they could not attend the event despite being expected to be present.

Distinguishing the Reasons You Failed to Complete the Task

For instance:

• “I was meant to submit the report but didn’t have all the information I needed.”

In this instance, the speaker is explaining why they couldn’t finish the report in time, even though it was their responsibility.

Common Errors when Making Use of “i Was Meant To.”

Here are a few common blunders you should avoid when using “I was meant to”:

Making Use of It to Transfer the Blame

“I was meant to” can be used to justify why you were unable to meet an obligation instead of shifting the blame to someone else.

As an example:

• “I was meant to finish the project, but John didn’t give me the information I needed.”

In this case, the speaker uses “I was meant to” to blame John, but not properly.

Utilizing It in The Incorrect Present

“I was meant to” is used in the present tense to indicate it was not met at a particular point within the last. When used as a present-tense verb, it could be confusing.

For instance:

• “I am meant to attend the party tonight.”

In this case, the speaker uses “I was meant to” in the present tense, which is incorrect. It is better to say, “I am expected to attend the party tonight.”

Examples of “I Meant To” and “I Was Meant To”

When speaking English, it is not unusual to hear people say “I meant to” and “I was meant to” during the conversation. Although these terms may appear similar, they have distinct meanings and are used with different meanings in various contexts. Understanding the difference between these terms can aid you in communicating better and staying clear of confusion.

Examples of “I Meant To” and “I Was Meant To”

To show the distinctions between “I meant to” and “I was meant to,” we’ll look at a few examples.

Examples of “I meant to”

“I meant to” expresses the intention or plan that was not realized. Here are a few examples:

• “I meant to study for my exam but got distracted by my phone.”
• “I meant to go to the gym today but feel too tired.”
• “I meant to pay the bill on time, but I forgot.”

In each case, the speaker had a desire to take action; however, for reasons beyond their control, they were unable to carry out their strategy.

Examples of “I was meant to”

“I was meant to” refers to an obligation or expectation that was not met. Here are a few examples:

• “I was meant to finish the report by Friday, but I didn’t have enough time.”
• “I was meant to pick up my sister from the airport, but my car broke down.”
• “I was meant to attend the party but had to work late.”

In each of these instances, the speaker was required to perform a task, but for some reason, they weren’t capable of meeting this expectation or obligation.

In This Context, You Can Use “i Meant To” and “i Was Meant To” About Each Other.

Knowing the contexts in which “I meant to” and “I was meant to” are employed can assist you in using them correctly in your conversation.

Making Use of “i Meant To” in The Context

“I meant to” is commonly used to explain why the event didn’t occur. Here are a few examples of ways to use “I meant to” in context:

• “I meant to call you earlier, but my phone died. I’m sorry for the delay.”
• “I meant to bring the cake, but I forgot. I’m sorry.”
• “I meant to text you back, but I got busy. My apologies.”

In each of the cases, the speaker explains why they couldn’t complete something they had planned to do.

Making Use of “i Was Meant To” in The Context Of

“I was meant to” is usually used to justify why an obligation or expectation was not met. Here are a few examples of when to use “I was meant to” in context:

• “I was meant to attend the meeting but had a family emergency.”
• “I was meant to submit the proposal but didn’t have all the information I needed.”
• “I was meant to finish the project, but I got sick and had to take time off.”

In each of these cases, the speaker explains why they weren’t able to meet an expectation or obligation placed on them.

Common Idioms with “Meant To”

In addition to their main definitions, “meant to” is often used in other popular idioms used in English. Here are a few examples:

“Not meant to be.”

“Not meant to be” is a popular idiom to indicate that something wasn’t meant to happen or wasn’t on the table.

As an example:

• “I wanted to get the job but didn’t get the offer. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.”

In this case, the speaker is saying that they were dissatisfied with not being able to land the job. However, they realize that it wasn’t their fate.

“Meant for”

“Meant for” is a commonly used idiom to indicate the intention of something to serve specific purposes or a specific person.

For instance:

• “These shoes are meant for running, not for hiking.”

In this case, the speaker says that the shoes are made for a specific use, which is running.

“Meant well”

“Meant well” is a popular phrase used to show that someone was motivated by good intentions even though their actions did not result in the expected result.

For instance:

• “I know she didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. She just meant well.”

In this instance, the speaker says that the person was motivated even though their actions didn’t have the desired effect.

Common blunders when using idioms that begin with “meant to”

Here are some common blunders to be aware of when using idioms containing “meant to”:

Incorrectly understanding the meaning of the phrase

It can be difficult to understand the meaning of some words for non-native speakers. It’s essential to comprehend their meanings within their context.

As an example:

• “I’m not sure if I’m meant to be here.”

In this instance, the speaker uses “meant to” to express doubt about whether they’re at the correct place. This is not the proper use of the expression.

They are used in an incorrect context.

Idioms should only be employed in the right contexts. If they are used incorrectly, it can cause confusion or miscommunication.

As an example:

• “I guess it wasn’t meant to be that I got the job because I didn’t study enough for the interview.”

In this case, the speaker uses “meant to be” to express regret over not having studied enough, which isn’t an appropriate word to use.

Common Phrasal Verbs with “Meant To”

Alongside their primary definitions, “meant to” is frequently used in a variety of phrases in English. Here are a few examples:

“Meant for”

“Meant for” is a phrase that describes something made or designed to serve specific purposes or for a specific individual.

As an example:

• “This book is not meant for children. It contains adult themes.”

In this case, the speaker clarifies that the book isn’t meant for children as it is filled with mature material.

“It was meant to be.”

“Meant to be” is an idiomatic verb used to convey that something was meant to occur or that two people were destined to be in a relationship.

As an example:

• “I know we had a lot of ups and downs, but I believe we were meant to be together.”

In this instance, the speaker expresses their conviction that their relationship was meant to be a reality, despite the obstacles they might face.

“Meant for each other”

“Meant for each other” is a phrasal word used to refer to two people who have everything they need for each other.

For instance:

• “When I met John and Jane, I knew they were meant for each other. They just clicked.”

In this case, the speaker explains his belief that John and Jane are close and perfect for their respective lives.

Common errors when using phrasal verbs that contain “meant to”

Here are some common blunders that you should avoid using when using the phrasal verbs that contain “meant to”:

“Incorrectly using them”

Phrasal verbs can be confusing, so it is crucial to utilize them in the right context.

As an example:

• “I was meant for this job because I have a lot of experience.”

In this instance, the speaker is using “meant to” incorrectly in the phrase “meant for” by using “for” instead of “be.”

“Not understanding their significance”

Phrasal verbs may have multiple meanings. It’s vital to comprehend them to prevent confusion and mistakes in communication.

For instance:

• “I believe we were meant to be apart.”

In this case, the speaker is using “meant to be” in an unorthodox way, contrary to the word’s meaning in that it is used to describe the possibility of destiny or a perfect fit.

Is It Correct to Say I Mean” or I Meant”?

The words “I mean” and “I meant” are correct. However, they each have their own meanings and are utilized in various contexts.

“I mean” is used to emphasize or clarify the meaning of what you’re saying. It is generally employed in the present tense and means that you’re currently making a statement about a concept or thought.

For instance:

• “I understand why you’re upset, but there’s nothing we can do about it now.”

In this instance, the speaker tries to clarify their perception of the situation and highlight their point.

However, “I meant” describes something you had planned to accomplish at some point but didn’t complete. It is generally employed in the present tense.

As an example:

• “I meant to call you yesterday, but I got caught up at work and forgot.”

In this case, the speaker describes that they planned to call the person, but they could not because of work.

I Meant to Say the Meaning

“I was meant to say meaning” is a proper expression in English. It indicates that the speaker wanted to convey the meaning of something, but due to reasons beyond their control, they couldn’t accomplish this.

As an example:

• “I was meant to say the word’s meaning, but I forgot it now.”

In this case, the speaker wanted to explain the purpose behind the word, but they couldn’t recall the meaning.

FAQ’s

What is going on with “I intended to”?

“I intended to” communicates the goal or want to accomplish something that eventually didn’t occur or was not done. It indicates that the speaker had a specific goal or objective in mind, but for a variety of reasons, they were unable to achieve it.

What is meant by “I was meant to”?

“I was intended to” recommends that a specific occasion, result, or circumstance was predetermined, fated, or planned for the individual talking. It suggests that the circumstances or experiences related to the speaker had a predetermined purpose or significance.

What distinguishes the usages of “I was meant to” and “I meant to”?

The distinction lies in the point of view and plan of the expressions. ” The phrase “I meant to” refers to personal plans or intentions that were not carried out. It focuses on the individual’s unfulfilled desires or goals. In contrast, the expression “I was meant to” suggests a sense of destiny or purpose, implying that the speaker was predestined to do something.

Could “I intended to” be utilized reciprocally with “I was intended to”?

No, you cannot use “I was meant to” and “I meant to” in the same sentence. They convey unmistakable implications and convey alternate points of view. ” While “I was meant to” emphasizes the speaker’s predetermined purpose or destiny, “I meant to” refers to personal intentions that were not realized.

Where can the expression “I meant to” be used?

The phrase “I meant to” can be used in a variety of situations in which a person had a plan or intended to do something but did not carry it out. It can be used in private conversations, at work, or in any situation where the speaker wants to say that they haven’t achieved their goals.

When is the expression “I was meant to” appropriate?

When the speaker wants to convey that a particular event or circumstance was destined or intended for them, they use the phrase “I was meant to.” It can be used in discussions about career paths, life choices, or when the speaker wants to emphasize a sense of destiny or purpose.

 

I Meant To, or I Was Meant to | Meaning, Difference, Examples, Sentences

“I meant to” means that you had a plan or intention to perform something, but it didn’t occur for a reason. For instance, “I meant to call you yesterday but got busy with work.”

“I was meant to” can be used to mean that something was planned or arranged to occur, typically by a feeling of fate or destiny. For instance, “I was meant to meet my best friend at that coffee shop, but I got lost.”

When to Use “I Meant To”

“I meant to” is often used to describe the failure to perform the intended action. The phrase is usually used in informal settings and can be used to explain why something didn’t occur. It is commonly utilized to convey regret or apologize for doing something.

In Appropriate Situations, You Can Make Use of “i Meant To”

“I meant to” can be employed in a variety of scenarios, such as:

Refusing to Apologize for Not Doing Something

For instance:

• “I meant to call you earlier but got busy with work. I’m sorry for not calling you back sooner.”

In this instance, the speaker apologizes for not calling back earlier, despite having intended to do so.

The Reasons Why Something Didn’t Take Place

As an example:

• “I meant to submit the report yesterday, but my computer crashed. I’ll send it over as soon as I can.”

In this case, the speaker is describing why they couldn’t finish the report on time, despite having intended to submit it on time.

Common Errors when Making Use of “i Meant To”

Below are common blunders that you can avoid making when you use “I meant to”:

Making excuses

Even though “I meant to” can explain why the event didn’t occur, it should not be used to justify a reason to avoid doing something.

For instance:

• “I meant to do my homework but was too tired.”

In this case, the speaker uses “I meant to” as an excuse for not completing their homework. In reality, the speaker should accept responsibility for their actions. They could use phrases like, “I didn’t do my homework because I was too tired.”

Making Use of It in The Incorrect Present

“I meant to” is used in the past tense to indicate that the plan was not realized at a particular time within the last When used as a present-tense verb, it may be confusing.

For instance:

• “I meant to go to the store later today.”

In this instance, the speaker uses “I meant to” in the present tense. This is not correct. It is better to say, “I plan to go to the store later today.”

When to Use “I Was Meant To”

“I was meant to” is a way to describe the inability to meet an expectation or fulfill an obligation. The phrase is commonly employed in formal settings and is used to justify why the event did not occur. It is usually utilized to convey regret or apologize for not completing the obligation.

In Appropriate Situations, You Can Utilize “i Was Meant To.”

“I was meant to” can be utilized in a variety of scenarios, such as:

The Reason You Were Unable to Attend an Event

For instance:

• “I was meant to attend the meeting but had a family emergency.”

In this instance, the speaker explains why they could not attend the event despite being expected to be present.

Distinguishing the Reasons You Failed to Complete the Task

For instance:

• “I was meant to submit the report but didn’t have all the information I needed.”

In this instance, the speaker is explaining why they couldn’t finish the report in time, even though it was their responsibility.

Common Errors when Making Use of “i Was Meant To.”

Here are a few common blunders you should avoid when using “I was meant to”:

Making Use of It to Transfer the Blame

“I was meant to” can be used to justify why you were unable to meet an obligation instead of shifting the blame to someone else.

As an example:

• “I was meant to finish the project, but John didn’t give me the information I needed.”

In this case, the speaker uses “I was meant to” to blame John, but not properly.

Utilizing It in The Incorrect Present

“I was meant to” is used in the present tense to indicate it was not met at a particular point within the last. When used as a present-tense verb, it could be confusing.

For instance:

• “I am meant to attend the party tonight.”

In this case, the speaker uses “I was meant to” in the present tense, which is incorrect. It is better to say, “I am expected to attend the party tonight.”

Examples of “I Meant To” and “I Was Meant To”

When speaking English, it is not unusual to hear people say “I meant to” and “I was meant to” during the conversation. Although these terms may appear similar, they have distinct meanings and are used with different meanings in various contexts. Understanding the difference between these terms can aid you in communicating better and staying clear of confusion.

Examples of “I Meant To” and “I Was Meant To”

To show the distinctions between “I meant to” and “I was meant to,” we’ll look at a few examples.

Examples of “I meant to”

“I meant to” expresses the intention or plan that was not realized. Here are a few examples:

• “I meant to study for my exam but got distracted by my phone.”
• “I meant to go to the gym today but feel too tired.”
• “I meant to pay the bill on time, but I forgot.”

In each case, the speaker had a desire to take action; however, for reasons beyond their control, they were unable to carry out their strategy.

Examples of “I was meant to”

“I was meant to” refers to an obligation or expectation that was not met. Here are a few examples:

• “I was meant to finish the report by Friday, but I didn’t have enough time.”
• “I was meant to pick up my sister from the airport, but my car broke down.”
• “I was meant to attend the party but had to work late.”

In each of these instances, the speaker was required to perform a task, but for some reason, they weren’t capable of meeting this expectation or obligation.

In This Context, You Can Use “i Meant To” and “i Was Meant To” About Each Other.

Knowing the contexts in which “I meant to” and “I was meant to” are employed can assist you in using them correctly in your conversation.

Making Use of “i Meant To” in The Context

“I meant to” is commonly used to explain why the event didn’t occur. Here are a few examples of ways to use “I meant to” in context:

• “I meant to call you earlier, but my phone died. I’m sorry for the delay.”
• “I meant to bring the cake, but I forgot. I’m sorry.”
• “I meant to text you back, but I got busy. My apologies.”

In each of the cases, the speaker explains why they couldn’t complete something they had planned to do.

Making Use of “i Was Meant To” in The Context Of

“I was meant to” is usually used to justify why an obligation or expectation was not met. Here are a few examples of when to use “I was meant to” in context:

• “I was meant to attend the meeting but had a family emergency.”
• “I was meant to submit the proposal but didn’t have all the information I needed.”
• “I was meant to finish the project, but I got sick and had to take time off.”

In each of these cases, the speaker explains why they weren’t able to meet an expectation or obligation placed on them.

Common Idioms with “Meant To”

In addition to their main definitions, “meant to” is often used in other popular idioms used in English. Here are a few examples:

“Not meant to be.”

“Not meant to be” is a popular idiom to indicate that something wasn’t meant to happen or wasn’t on the table.

As an example:

• “I wanted to get the job but didn’t get the offer. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.”

In this case, the speaker is saying that they were dissatisfied with not being able to land the job. However, they realize that it wasn’t their fate.

“Meant for”

“Meant for” is a commonly used idiom to indicate the intention of something to serve specific purposes or a specific person.

For instance:

• “These shoes are meant for running, not for hiking.”

In this case, the speaker says that the shoes are made for a specific use, which is running.

“Meant well”

“Meant well” is a popular phrase used to show that someone was motivated by good intentions even though their actions did not result in the expected result.

For instance:

• “I know she didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. She just meant well.”

In this instance, the speaker says that the person was motivated even though their actions didn’t have the desired effect.

Common blunders when using idioms that begin with “meant to”

Here are some common blunders to be aware of when using idioms containing “meant to”:

Incorrectly understanding the meaning of the phrase

It can be difficult to understand the meaning of some words for non-native speakers. It’s essential to comprehend their meanings within their context.

As an example:

• “I’m not sure if I’m meant to be here.”

In this instance, the speaker uses “meant to” to express doubt about whether they’re at the correct place. This is not the proper use of the expression.

They are used in an incorrect context.

Idioms should only be employed in the right contexts. If they are used incorrectly, it can cause confusion or miscommunication.

As an example:

• “I guess it wasn’t meant to be that I got the job because I didn’t study enough for the interview.”

In this case, the speaker uses “meant to be” to express regret over not having studied enough, which isn’t an appropriate word to use.

Common Phrasal Verbs with “Meant To”

Alongside their primary definitions, “meant to” is frequently used in a variety of phrases in English. Here are a few examples:

“Meant for”

“Meant for” is a phrase that describes something made or designed to serve specific purposes or for a specific individual.

As an example:

• “This book is not meant for children. It contains adult themes.”

In this case, the speaker clarifies that the book isn’t meant for children as it is filled with mature material.

“It was meant to be.”

“Meant to be” is an idiomatic verb used to convey that something was meant to occur or that two people were destined to be in a relationship.

As an example:

• “I know we had a lot of ups and downs, but I believe we were meant to be together.”

In this instance, the speaker expresses their conviction that their relationship was meant to be a reality, despite the obstacles they might face.

“Meant for each other”

“Meant for each other” is a phrasal word used to refer to two people who have everything they need for each other.

For instance:

• “When I met John and Jane, I knew they were meant for each other. They just clicked.”

In this case, the speaker explains his belief that John and Jane are close and perfect for their respective lives.

Common errors when using phrasal verbs that contain “meant to”

Here are some common blunders that you should avoid using when using the phrasal verbs that contain “meant to”:

“Incorrectly using them”

Phrasal verbs can be confusing, so it is crucial to utilize them in the right context.

As an example:

• “I was meant for this job because I have a lot of experience.”

In this instance, the speaker is using “meant to” incorrectly in the phrase “meant for” by using “for” instead of “be.”

“Not understanding their significance”

Phrasal verbs may have multiple meanings. It’s vital to comprehend them to prevent confusion and mistakes in communication.

For instance:

• “I believe we were meant to be apart.”

In this case, the speaker is using “meant to be” in an unorthodox way, contrary to the word’s meaning in that it is used to describe the possibility of destiny or a perfect fit.

Is It Correct to Say I Mean” or I Meant”?

The words “I mean” and “I meant” are correct. However, they each have their own meanings and are utilized in various contexts.

“I mean” is used to emphasize or clarify the meaning of what you’re saying. It is generally employed in the present tense and means that you’re currently making a statement about a concept or thought.

For instance:

• “I understand why you’re upset, but there’s nothing we can do about it now.”

In this instance, the speaker tries to clarify their perception of the situation and highlight their point.

However, “I meant” describes something you had planned to accomplish at some point but didn’t complete. It is generally employed in the present tense.

As an example:

• “I meant to call you yesterday, but I got caught up at work and forgot.”

In this case, the speaker describes that they planned to call the person, but they could not because of work.

I Meant to Say the Meaning

“I was meant to say meaning” is a proper expression in English. It indicates that the speaker wanted to convey the meaning of something, but due to reasons beyond their control, they couldn’t accomplish this.

As an example:

• “I was meant to say the word’s meaning, but I forgot it now.”

In this case, the speaker wanted to explain the purpose behind the word, but they couldn’t recall the meaning.

FAQ’s

What is going on with “I intended to”?

“I intended to” communicates the goal or want to accomplish something that eventually didn’t occur or was not done. It indicates that the speaker had a specific goal or objective in mind, but for a variety of reasons, they were unable to achieve it.

What is meant by “I was meant to”?

“I was intended to” recommends that a specific occasion, result, or circumstance was predetermined, fated, or planned for the individual talking. It suggests that the circumstances or experiences related to the speaker had a predetermined purpose or significance.

What distinguishes the usages of “I was meant to” and “I meant to”?

The distinction lies in the point of view and plan of the expressions. ” The phrase “I meant to” refers to personal plans or intentions that were not carried out. It focuses on the individual’s unfulfilled desires or goals. In contrast, the expression “I was meant to” suggests a sense of destiny or purpose, implying that the speaker was predestined to do something.

Could “I intended to” be utilized reciprocally with “I was intended to”?

No, you cannot use “I was meant to” and “I meant to” in the same sentence. They convey unmistakable implications and convey alternate points of view. ” While “I was meant to” emphasizes the speaker’s predetermined purpose or destiny, “I meant to” refers to personal intentions that were not realized.

Where can the expression “I meant to” be used?

The phrase “I meant to” can be used in a variety of situations in which a person had a plan or intended to do something but did not carry it out. It can be used in private conversations, at work, or in any situation where the speaker wants to say that they haven’t achieved their goals.

When is the expression “I was meant to” appropriate?

When the speaker wants to convey that a particular event or circumstance was destined or intended for them, they use the phrase “I was meant to.” It can be used in discussions about career paths, life choices, or when the speaker wants to emphasize a sense of destiny or purpose.